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Friday, 16 June 2017

Thursday 15th June - Houghton Hall & Gardens

After meeting in the car park everyone took off in various directions to explore the fabulous Palladian house and wonderful gardens and parkland.There was much to admire in the opulent State Rooms with magnificent furnishings and artwork on display and it was fascinating to hear of the many famous political figures that had passed through this historic building.The Walled Gardens were a riot of colour with superb herbaceous borders, formal Italian gardens, fountains and a very productive vegetable garden. Also of interest were the permanent Sculptures and the Richard Long Exhibition 'Earth Sky' displayed throughout the gardens, parkland and within the Hall itself...certainly thought provoking!Quite a few of us managed to sample the excellent cafe in the Stables courtyard and while we were there have a look at the amazing Model Soldier Museum - what a collection!Seven of us travelled on to Old Hunstanton to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine and refreshing sea breeze. The beach was almost deserted apart from the kite surfers who were making the most of the prevailing wind and putting on quite a show for us (those that remembered to have their long lens with them!).To finish off a very long but enjoyable day we found the only fish and chip shop still open and sat down to enjoy our supper.